Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Programme Manager

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation comprised of 38 member countries, that works to build better policies for better lives. Our mission is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. Together with governments, policy makers and citizens, we work on establishing evidence-based international standards, and finding solutions to a range of social, economic and environmental challenges. From improving economic performance and creating jobs to fostering strong education and fighting international tax evasion, we provide a unique forum and knowledge hub for data and analysis, exchange of experiences, best-practice sharing, and advicze on public policies and international standard-setting.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an intergovernmental organisation committed to advancing security of energy supply, economic growth and environmental sustainability through energy policy co-operation.  The IEA operates as an autonomous body within the framework of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Both the IEA and the OECD seek opportunities to work with an increasing number of non-members of growing importance to the world economy. The Agency aims to foster the contribution of the energy sector to economic development and environmental sustainability.

The Office of Global Energy Relations (GER) was created to strengthen IEA engagement with key Accession, Association and partner country stakeholders, to articulate the IEA’s role vis-à-vis other international organisations and fora as well as to ensure cross-Agency co-ordination of these activities. The Division for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America (EMAL), is responsible for coordinating and developing the Agency’s engagement with countries in these regions, including activities under the Clean Energy Transitions Programme (CETP).

The Office of Global Energy Relations is looking for a skilled and highly motivated Programme Manager with strong regional knowledge of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), experience working in the energy sector (particularly oil and gas, but also transition technologies) and experience in project management and liaison activities to join the EMAL Division. The successful applicant will lead IEA activities across MENA. Under the supervision of the division head, the selected candidate will liaise with counterparts and key stakeholders in the region and oversee the development and implementation of regional and bilateral work programmes, especially in IEA Association countries Egypt and Morocco.  They will support the IEA’s work in the Producer-Consumer dialogue and relations with OPEC and the International Energy Forum (IEF). They will analyse economic and political trends and their implications for global energy security and will take a strategic overview of energy issues in the region and monitor developments.  The programme Manager will also work with colleagues across the IEA to ensure the flow of information and coordinate IEA activities in the region. 

Main Responsibilities

Management

• Manage and coordinate activities in MENA, including those under the IEA Clean Energy Transitions Programme (CETP), in close collaboration with divisions in charge of different parts of then IEA’s analytical work.
• Develop and maintain close relations with counterparts in government, international and regional multilateral organisations, national cooperation agencies, the private sector and research institutions in MENA.
• Manage the Egypt and Morocco Association processes and provide coordination between IEA divisions in the delivery of the joint programmes of work.
• Support the division head and other senior managers in developing and implementing priority projects for the region, including high level meetings, trainings and capacity building, policy papers, analytical work and managing core outputs to ensure their quality and timely delivery.
• Manage MENA Programme Officer and provide guidance to any local coordinators, ensuring internal coordination and using synergies with broader IEA messages and activities.

Liaison and Outreach

• Develop and lead planning for IEA activities in MENA and prepare progress briefings and reporting documents related to the region.
• Continuously monitor political and macroeconomic developments related to energy in the region, contributing to briefings for IEA management and other IEA secretariat staff along with IEA member countries.
• Serve as the focal point within the IEA for the consumer/producer dialogue, including responsibility for coordinating the IEA’s input to the biennial IEF and represent the IEA at regular trilateral IEA-OPEC-IEF meetings.  Undertake the role of member of the Executive Board of the International Energy Forum.
• Help lead the organisation, management and logistics of meetings, workshops or conferences in the region, including preparing the documentation for and records of various events.
• Represent the IEA and make presentations at external conferences and seminars.
• Liaise and coordinate with relevant stakeholders, including existing and potential donors for MENA-related activities (and when relevant in coordination with the CETP core team) as well as with other relevant agencies (national cooperation entities, other international organizations, etc.).

Energy Analysis and Drafting

• Identify key priorities for analysis and action and develop a strategy for the IEA’s engagement in the MENA region, including what analysis of the main energy trends and issues is desirable.
• Collect information and conduct research and analysis of developments in all the energy sectors of the MENA region paying particular regard to oil and gas production and export policies.  Analyze the implications of these energy sector developments for world energy supply and demand.
• Prepare briefs, papers and presentations on key developments for IEA colleagues, delegates from IEA Member countries, and other audiences to a high standard. Some of this work may become or form part of wider IEA publications.
• Work closely with colleagues across the Agency whose activities could touch on the energy sectors of the MENA region. In particular, draw on the expertise of Agency policy experts (e.g. oil, gas, technology and energy efficiency).
• Advise colleagues across agency regarding policy sensitivities in the MENA region and review any parts of IEA publications or presentations involving the MENA region to ensure a consistent message across the Agency. 

 Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic Background

• An advanced university degree in engineering, energy economics, international relations, public administration, MENA studies or related field. 

Professional background

• At least five years’ experience in project management and liaison activities related to MENA in a public or private organisation, a research centre and/or an international organization.
• Professional experience working in MENA with governments and interacting with key stakeholders across the region.
• Good knowledge of energy, technology, environment or related fields

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English; fluent knowledge of Arabic and French would be an advantage.

Core Competencies

•     Please refer to the level 3 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies.

Contract Duration

• Two-year fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.
• Ideal start date\: as from 1^st March 2023.

Selection Process

• For retained candidates, written tests/video-recorded interviews are foreseen for mid-January 2023 and panel interviews in early February 2023.

What the OECD offers

• Monthly base salary starting from 7 915 EUR, plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
• Please note that the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.
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Please note that the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes the applications of all qualified candidates who are nationals of OECD member countries, irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health or disabilities.

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